NBA Trade Rumors: Several Teams Interested in Pelicans’ Eric Gordon

Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pelicans defeated the Sixers 121-105. Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pelicans defeated the Sixers 121-105. Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

According to Sporting News‘ latest NBA trade rumors, sources say that the New Orleans Pelicans are working hard to move guard Eric Gordon and several teams are reported to be interested.

This news comes just 18 months after the Pelicans gave Gordon a four-year, $58 million contract to keep him away from the Phoenix Suns. It’s not surprising, however, as New Orleans was already exploring trade options for Gordon in the summer after they landed Jrue Holiday, who is now hurt, and Tyreke Evans.

The Pelicans had inquired with the Suns to see if they were still interested but the team had already moved on to Eric Bledsoe in the summer. Now, Bledsoe is potentially out for the season after undergoing knee surgery which means that Phoenix could be in play once again.

The Pelicans have received interest from several teams but has thus far been unable to find what they’re looking for, even after talking to teams interested in other players about a three-way trade.

After trading away Robin Lopez to the Trail Blazers in the offseason, the team has struggled to surround Anthony Davis with adequate big men. The Pelicans are currently starting Alexis Ajinca at center. Ajinca had been playing in Europe until just one month ago.

It’s going to be tough to get a center of equal value for Gordon, however, as he is still owed more than half of that $58 million deal and played just 51 games over his first two years in New Orleans due to injuries.

This season, Gordon has played in 31 games and is averaging 15.6 points, 3.1 assists, and shooting 44 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from downtown.